Three of these patrol vessels were built for the Tonga government, the PANGAI, NEIAFU and SAVEA.
All were built by Australian Shipbuilding Industries, Jervoise Bay, Australia.
The ships are of the Pacific class or Pacific Forum class and in total 22 patrol boats were built for the Island nations in the Pacific. All have the same details.
Under the Australian Defence Cooperation, 22 Pacific Patrol Boats (PPB) were built and gifted to twelve Pacific nations between 1987 and 1997. The boats are built to a commercial standard and are used by Pacific nations for maritime surveillance and response, in particular fisheries patrols.
VOEA NEIAFU built under yard No 234.
30 January 1989 keel laid down.
20 September 1989 launched.
Displacement 162 tons, dim. 31.5 x 8.1 x 1.8m. (draught).
Powered by two Caterpillar diesels, 2,820 hp, twin screws, speed 20 knots.
Armament: Various small arms
28 October 1989 delivered.
VOEA SAVEA:
February 1990 keel laid down.
23 March 1991 delivered.
2009 The SAVEA was sent to Townsville, Australia for a six months refit and refurbishments.
It was a Life Extension Program to doubling the life expectancy of the patrol boats from 15 to 30 years.
The refit provides the patrol boats with improved design features, including a modified hull, updated electronic systems a complete engine overhaul, renovated or new fittings, structural modifications to facilitate easier ships husbandry and advanced fresh water and air-conditioning systems.
The PANGAI and NEIAFU will follow after the completing of the refit of the SAVEA.
2013 The three patrol boats are still in service in Tonga waters.
Tonga 1991 42s/2p sg 1157/1160/1161 scott792/793/796. (The PANGAI you can find: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10351&p=13005&hilit=pangai#p13005
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific-class_patrol_boat Daily Collection of Maritime Press Clippings 2009-057.